Iraqi Kurdish president’s meeting with Syria’s Sharaa signals shift in SDF dynamics KRG President Nechirvan Barzani’s meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa underscored the Kurdistan Region’s growing role in Syria’s Kurdish politics. Iraq
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran denies negotiations with US after Trump calls off strikes Pakistan’s death toll rises to 17 after suspected suicide bombing; Syria’s Sharaa meets with KRG President Barzani; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
On eighth visit, Israel’s Netanyahu seeks to repair ties with Trump Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to focus on Iran in his Tuesday meeting with President Donald Trump, while the US leader is more likely to want to discuss Lebanon and Syria. United States
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says it doesn’t seek to resume negotiations with Washington Sharaa says Syria seeks security deal with Israel; Red Sea shipping slows after Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran declares 'existential war' as US strikes reach near Tehran By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
How Iran sees 'post-America' Syria Rather than gloating, Iran has adopted a cautious approach to the US withdrawal from Syria as it examines whether and how it will impact Washington’s greater strategy to contain its regional role. Syria
France becomes Turkey’s newest bugbear as Kurds court Macron Now that US forces are withdrawing from Syria, Turkey has turned its ire to France, which could play a bridging role between the Kurds, Moscow and Washington that could upset Turkish plans. Syria
Iraqi border eyes Iran influence as US plans Syria pullout After the retaking of IS-held territory across the border and the US announcement it would pull its troops out of Syria, Iraq’s western Anbar is grappling with the prospect of increased Iranian influence amid joblessness, a lack of electricity and reports of cross-border drug smuggling. Iraq
EU says it’s premature for Syria to rejoin Arab League Egypt's efforts to bring Syria back into the Arab League while the country remains unstable are raising concerns in the EU. Egypt
Theater returns to Idlib A group of actors has formed the Syrian Troupe for Theatrical Arts and performed recently for the children in Idlib. Syria
Trump buries the hatchet with Erdogan over Syria The US troop withdrawal could also lead to a return of the 'art of the deal' with Putin. Israel
Erdogan gets his wish from Trump in Syria, but now what? Ankara fears that US President Donald Trump’s sudden decision to exit Syria could become a pyrrhic victory, as four main concerns could widen security vulnerabilities and trouble Turkey's president domestically. Syria
Win for Erdogan, betrayal for the Kurds With Trump's decision to withdraw US troops from Syria, Turkey was handed a victory over the Kurds. Syria
Mattis exits over Mideast policy split with Trump Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis announced his resignation the day after President Donald Trump decided to pull US troops out of Syria. Syria
Syria’s internally displaced losing hope of returning home Feeling that their chances of returning to their hometowns in Syria are dropping, Aleppo’s displaced are seeking stability by preserving their old social ties in a new place. Syria
Will Lebanon’s support of UN compacts benefit Syrian refugees? Lebanon has voted in favor of two UN resolutions that improve the treatment of refugees and migrants, but the displaced Syrians in the country may not benefit, as they are not classified as refugees or even migrants. Jordan
Will US exit from Syria change terrain of Turkey's road map? President Donald Trump's abrupt announcement that he will pull US troops out of Syria has Turkey reassessing the situation. Syria
